Child Life Specialist Helps Children Cope in the Emergency Department

A trip to the Emergency Department can cause anxiety for patients
of all ages, but can be particularly scary for children. At Golisano
Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, a team of child life specialists
helps young patients and their families understand medical procedures
and manage stress.

“I work with all ages of pediatric patients; however I work most often
with toddlers and school-aged children,” explains Jennifer Neill, the
child life specialist in the pediatric ED. “In my role, I try to normalize
the environment as much as possible through play. I also provide
education and support during procedures and diagnoses—for the
patient and the family.”

In a department where the patient population constantly changes,
Jennifer relies on nurses, physicians and staff to let her know which
patients could benefit from child life services. “I regularly check in with
nurses and physicians to keep up-to-date on our patients,” she says. “We
also have Epic electronic health records, which tells staff who is here,
what they are here for, what tests have been ordered, etc. I refer to Epic
continuously throughout the day.”

Due to the nature of the ED, Jennifer’s role often includes education
on the medical procedures and support because of the urgent nature of
patient needs.

“Patients with chronic illnesses who are more familiar with the hospital
have different needs,” she says. “They may have difficulty coping with
the length of stay, the illness itself or missing friends and school. Each
child life specialist may have different roles, but we are all working
toward a common goal—to help patients and families cope with
hospitalization. I am lucky to work with such a great team.”

Jennifer says the best part of her job is seeing a child who is smiling and
happy—whether being admitted or discharged. “I have the best job,”
she says. “I love seeing children who are feeling better, have not been
traumatized by their experience and view the hospital in a positive way
versus the negative feelings a lot of people associate with the hospital.”

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“Jennifer Neill,
child life specialist
in the ED, uses dolls,
toys and books to help
children understand
medical procedures.”

To make a gift
to Golisano
Children’s
Hospital of
Southwest
Florida or
to learn
about giving
opportunities,
contact the
Lee Memorial
Health System
Foundation at 239-343-6950 or visit
www.ChildrensHospitalGoal.org